The first World Series of Poker bracelet of 2026 is now on the wrist of a poker dealer from New Mexico.
Congratulations go to Jerome Neppl, a poker dealer from New Mexico, who won the $500 Industry Employees event that traditionally sits at the beginning of WSOP’s schedule each year.
The event, open to anyone who works in casinos, including poker reporters, attracted 906 entries.
Neppl, who didn’t have $1,000 in lifetime cashes, took his Day 1 chip lead all the way to the winner’s circle. He says the $64,083 that came with the bracelet will take him out of debt and will help him with an upcoming move to Florida.
The working man says despite this win, he still be found dealing WSOP events this year.
The WSOP is rolling into its first weekend of the series with a handful of events that starts today including the $25,000 Heads-Up No-Limit Hold’em Championship, Day 1 of the $1,500 Badugi event, and Day 1 of the $25,000 Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship, just to name a few.
Coverage of the series also begins today on the WSOP’s YouTube channel.
WSOP $500 Industry Employees No-Limit Hold’em Final Table Results
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jerome Neppl | United States | $64,083 |
| 2 | Sean Hamrick | United States | $42,680 |
| 3 | Skyler Halama | United States | $29,678 |
| 4 | Michael Schlitter | United States | $20,988 |
| 5 | Nicholas Baldev | United States | $15,098 |
| 6 | Andre Welt | Brazil | $11,052 |
| 7 | Anthony Diep | China | $8,235 |
| 8 | Armando Viramontes Serna | United States | $6,247 |
| 9 | Jessica Odom | United States | $4,828 |
